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Handling Pigmy Rattlesnakes
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by Sal on September 15, 2003
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I was wondering is it possible to SAFELY handle pigmy rattlesnakes using thick leather gloves? The gloves I have in mind are extremly thick leather and used to handle birds of prey.
Now before I get flamed, this handling I'm asking about would be basically just moving it from its normal enclosure to a temporary area for cleaning. I'm not planning on walking around town with a pigmy. Would it be easier just to use a hook? I have heard they are pretty tricky on the hook.
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RE: Handling Pigmy Rattlesnakes
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by C_cyaneopubescens on September 15, 2003
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I would use tongs.... you are just asking for an accident with gloves.... with hot herps, safer is always better.
-Dave-
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RE: Handling Pigmy Rattlesnakes
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by Snakeman1982 on September 15, 2003
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Regardless of snake size, anything with solenoglyphous fangs needs to be safely handled with a hook or tongs in order to keep from being envenomated. Gloves probably won't be enough and you take your chances if you try otherwise. It is of course your choice if you want to risk it.
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RE: Handling Pigmy Rattlesnakes
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by Wollers on September 15, 2003
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You could get away with it on a small/young pygmy, as they have very small fangs. However, I would recommend using a small, light-weight hook instead. Adult pygmys will stay on a hook as well as any Rattlesnake as long as their body temperature is not up on go.
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RE: Handling Pigmy Rattlesnakes
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by Buzztail1 on September 16, 2003
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Sal,
Several years ago, there was an article in Reptiles magazine by the folks at Stetson University (http://www.stetson.edu/biology/pigpage.shtml)that showed a couple of their researchers handling adult Dusky Pigmy Rattlesnakes using welders gloves. Shortly after the article was published, it was reported that one of their researchers was nailed by a Dusky Pigmy through the worn seam on one of the glove fingers.
I have seen several people use the gloves by Midwest but I have never seen an actual bite to the gloved hand of anyone.
I would recommend always using hooks or appropriately sized tongs. I have kept Dusky Pigmies for years and have found that they can usually be trained to sit a hook fairly well. Just be patient. And careful.
Karl H. Betz
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RE: Handling Pigmy Rattlesnakes
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by Sal on September 16, 2003
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Looks like the general consesus is its not worth the risk. I'll stick with the hook then. THANKS!
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